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| Drop in Foreign Tourists in Goa! |
Off-late there's many discussion on many forums, news and social media about the low number of foreigners visiting Goa. Well, I'm not surprised!
Here in Kovalam beach, Trivandrum we've seen the same fate! Now, local tourists outnumber foreigners in Kovalam! Gone are the days when Howa beach used to be called the nude or topless beach in India!
Also, at one time, locals hardly visited this beach. Only the daring ones used to hang around the beach all night. It was in 80's and early 90's when there were music bands which played at night, when there were less concrete building on the beach and what not!
I'm not sure about the years, but the crux if it, the old Kovalam beach in Trivandrum has lost its charm! This is more true for people who has seen the best years of this beach!
So, what's so surprising about Goa now! Why are people, politicians, business men all crying foul about the way foreigners are skipping Goa!
Well, there are many reasons! Here are few points which are listed by ChatGPT ( Answer Given Below from ChatGPT)
Foreign tourists have been increasingly skipping Goa as a holiday destination and choosing other international beach destinations for several reasons. Some of the key factors contributing to this shift include:
1. Overcrowding and Commercialization
Issue: Goa has become highly commercialized, especially in popular beach areas like Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna. The natural charm of the beaches has been diminished by an excess of tourists, noisy nightlife, and unregulated development.
Impact: Many tourists seeking a peaceful, authentic beach experience are turning to less crowded, more serene international destinations.
2. Pollution and Environmental Degradation
Issue: Many beaches in Goa have suffered from littering, pollution, and improper waste management. The once-pristine beaches are now affected by garbage, plastic waste, and water pollution, diminishing the appeal for eco-conscious travelers.
Impact: Tourists are opting for destinations where the beaches are cleaner and better maintained, such as those in Thailand, Bali, and Sri Lanka.
3. Increased Costs Without Value
Issue: Prices for accommodations, food, and services in Goa have risen significantly over the years, but the quality of infrastructure and services has not kept pace. Foreign tourists often feel they aren't getting value for money compared to other international beach destinations.
Impact: Destinations like Vietnam, Indonesia, and even parts of Europe offer better value for money in terms of accommodation, service quality, and experiences.
4. Unregulated Tourism and Poor Infrastructure
Issue: The rapid and often unregulated growth of tourism in Goa has led to issues with basic infrastructure, including traffic congestion, inadequate public transport, unreliable internet, and water shortages. The lack of organized tourism management leads to a chaotic experience.
Impact: Well-organized destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius provide superior infrastructure and smooth tourist experiences, making them more attractive.
5. Better Alternatives in Southeast Asia and Europe
Issue: Many beach destinations in Southeast Asia (e.g., Bali, Phuket, Krabi, and the Philippines) and Europe (e.g., Spain, Portugal, and Greece) offer a more developed tourism ecosystem with a blend of culture, nightlife, adventure sports, and well-maintained beaches.
Impact: These destinations have stepped up their tourism campaigns and infrastructure, making them highly competitive alternatives to Goa.
6. Safety Concerns
Issue: There have been instances of petty crimes, harassment, and safety concerns, particularly for women travelers in Goa. Reports of overcharging by taxi drivers, scams, and even drug-related issues have negatively impacted the region's reputation among international tourists.
Impact: Tourists are increasingly opting for destinations where they feel safer and where tourism infrastructure is more reliable and regulated.
7. Visa and Travel Restrictions
Issue: Visa requirements, inconsistent travel policies, and occasional difficulties with obtaining tourist visas for India have been a deterrent for many international travelers. In contrast, countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Maldives offer easier visa processes, including visa-on-arrival or e-visa options.
Impact: Simpler visa processes in other destinations make them more attractive for spontaneous or hassle-free travel.
8. Competition from Nearby Indian Destinations
Issue: Within India, other beach destinations like Kerala (Varkala), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Gokarna are gaining popularity for their cleaner, quieter beaches and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Impact: Even domestic tourists are choosing these alternative beach destinations, which offer a more authentic and peaceful experience than Goa's bustling beaches.
9. Cultural Sensitivity Issues
Issue: Some tourists have expressed discomfort with cultural differences, such as conservative attitudes towards beachwear and nightlife. The balance between Goa's party culture and the more traditional elements of Indian society can sometimes create tension or confusion for foreigners.
Impact: Beach destinations like Bali or Thailand provide a more relaxed and culturally attuned environment for international tourists, contributing to their growing appeal.
10. Rising Competition in Global Tourism
Issue: Other beach destinations have significantly ramped up their tourism campaigns, offering not only beaches but a wide array of cultural, adventure, and wellness experiences, alongside excellent service.
Impact: For example, Bali has marketed itself as not just a beach destination, but a hub for yoga, spiritual retreats, luxury villas, and adventure tourism. These additional experiences, combined with world-class infrastructure, make other global destinations more appealing.
Conclusion:
Foreign tourists are opting for other beach destinations due to a combination of overcrowding, environmental degradation, rising costs, and poor infrastructure in Goa, as well as superior alternatives in Southeast Asia, the Maldives, and Europe.
These alternatives offer a cleaner, safer, and more organized tourism experience, often at a better value. For Goa to regain its status as a top beach destination, addressing these concerns and focusing on sustainable tourism development will be key.
P. S - A link about Varaka as a destination ( The New York Times Article) in 2015. Another surprising factor which I found while reading this article. In the article, writer had mentioned about
Few pointers from the article and see for yourself if the price listed has changed in the span of 9 long years!
- > Our three-night stay ( Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resort ) in a non-sea-facing double came to 16,650 rupees.
- > Chapati quesadilla and iced coffee (500 rupees)
- > One-and-a-half-hour lesson is 2,300 rupees, ( I'm sure the price of surf lessons in Varkala has come down)
- > Rent a board for three hours for 850 rupees
- > Fiery prawn fry (350 rupees)
- > Lemon juice (70 rupees)
- > Bohemian Masala Art Cafe, a narrow, thatched, cavelike space that’s ideal for cooling off with a sweet cardamom lassi (80 rupees). ( I have been to this place and remember having a refreshing curd milk here. They used some sort of reed as a straw) Very unique.
Sadly, this place has shut down!
- > Lhasa is the go-to spot for momos ( Don't know if this place exists)
- > I tried to find my own equilibrium with an hourlong purification massage: The attendant liberally daubed warm oils all over me, then slathered a medicated powder that combines 12 herbs. The soothing treatment is listed at 1,500 rupees; light negotiations brought the price down to 1,300. ( How much does a massage cost in Varkala now?) Probably for the same rate or even less!
- > Whatever the price, it’s always worth it to ask proprietors to shave off a couple hundred rupees.
P.S: Check the other post about Varkala
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